Date: November 9, 2026
To: His Excellency (Rtd) Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, President of the Republic of Uganda
Your Excellency,
I am one of the Ugandans who believe in giving credit where it is due. I would like to commend you for your apparent commitment to cleaning up the public service system before the end of your current political journey in 2031.
There is an English saying that goes, “Slow but sure wins the race.” Indeed, some Ugandans are beginning to appreciate the deliberate efforts being made through professional and well-thought-out appointments aimed at restoring the image and credibility of public institutions.
For instance, your recent attention to the Bank of Uganda and the appointment of competent professionals to its top leadership positions, including the Governor and Deputy Governor, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, demonstrate the importance of considering professional qualifications, experience and intellectual capacity when making public appointments. Their expertise and advice remain essential in stabilising the economy and strengthening public confidence in the country’s financial institutions.
In this regard, the advice offered by the Governor of the Bank of Uganda concerning the provisions and implications of the Sovereignty Bill, which subsequently became an Act of Parliament, should not have been ignored. Concerns surrounding the legislation reportedly contributed to uncertainty among some foreign investors and development-oriented organisations, with possible implications for foreign currency inflows and the wider economy. Listening to professional advice on critical national policies is therefore important.
The country also welcomes the recent changes involving the appointment of new permanent secretaries in various ministries. These appointments give hope for improved efficiency and professionalism in public administration.
In fact, I would like to propose a policy and constitutional reform under which highly qualified and experienced permanent secretaries could be accorded the status and responsibilities of Deputy Ministers. Such an arrangement would strengthen institutional memory, ensure continuity in government programmes and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery.
It could also help reduce unnecessary public expenditure on political appointments, particularly state ministers, while supporting the attainment of a leaner government of approximately 45 ministers. The recent policy reforms and efforts to streamline government agencies are commendable. Bravo!
Your Excellency, the ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of recruitment processes and the screening of staff appointments are equally commendable. Thank you for giving due attention to the report submitted to you by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).
For a long time, inefficiencies and inconsistencies in public service recruitment have undermined confidence in government institutions. Recruitment based on personal connections rather than technical competence has left many Ugandans frustrated with the system and, in some cases, disappointed with the NRM government.
I am among those who have personally experienced these challenges. In the financial years 2020/2021, I participated in an interview for consideration for regularisation into a modest position of Principal Administrator Manager and Senior Research Officer, which falls within my area of expertise. I have attached a copy of the interview invitation for reference.
However, by 2023, the only explanation communicated to me by the Clerk to Parliament, as reflected in the attached correspondence, was that the available budget could not facilitate my regularisation as a permanent, full-time staff member. This was despite my professional experience, academic qualifications and integrity.
Such experiences demonstrate why transparent, merit-based and consistent recruitment processes are necessary to restore public confidence in government institutions.
I also commend the ongoing holistic restructuring of Parliament and the new parliamentary administration under the leadership of the new Rt. Hon. Speaker, who also serves as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Commission. The emerging changes have given hope for a smooth institutional transition and the restoration of Parliament’s image and credibility.
The circular providing for the appointment of a PhD holder to the position of Clerk to Parliament is another significant milestone in the transformation of public service. It demonstrates growing recognition of the importance of technical competence, professional expertise and integrity in public appointments.
Professionals such as the newly appointed Clerk to Parliament, Dr. Edward Sengonzi Damulira, who have invested in developing their academic qualifications, professional expertise and intellectual capacity, deserve consideration for positions that match their competencies.
Such appointments reflect positively on the appointing authority and give Ugandans hope for a more professional, accountable and efficient Parliament.
Our expectation of the newly appointed officials is that they will not betray the trust placed in them by the country and the appointing authority, His Excellency the President. Instead, they should remain committed to the broader national objective of cleaning up the public service, strengthening institutions and ensuring a smooth and accountable transition.
As we celebrate these developments, I encourage the new leadership to uphold professionalism, transparency, integrity and accountability in the execution of their responsibilities.
Congratulations to the newly appointed Clerk to Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. On my own behalf and that of many fellow academicians in the University Professional Academic Staff Union (UPASU), where I serve as National Vice Chairperson, I wish you a successful five-year term of office.
May your leadership usher in a new chapter of institutional credibility, professionalism and effective public service delivery.
Dr Joseph Tindyebwa
Senior Lecturer, Public Management
Public Policy Expert and Analyst
National Vice Chairperson, University Professional Academic Staff Union (UPASU)
Email: [email protected]
